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Nearly 50 people donned Victorian-era hats and stretched out their pinky fingers on Saturday to enjoy a “cuppa tea” at Essex’s historic train station.
It marked the return of the Essex Tea Party, brainchild of the Arts Culture and Tourism Committee, following its inception just prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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The afternoon affair’s attendees were invited to dress up and decorate Valentine’s Day cards and cookies, while sipping on the customary steeped brew.
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“It’s really that social event where we want to welcome people into our town and say ‘Come have tea with us, check out our stores later, and enjoy Essex,’” said Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy, who was tasked with serving peppermint tea and scones to guests.
Essex MP Chris Lewis, Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley, and councillors Katie McGuire-Blais and Kim Verbeek were also on hand, serving delectable finger foods. The homemade bites were prepared by councillor Rodney Hammond.
“People want to get out again,” said Bondy, “and with the big waitlist it shows that there is a lot of support for events like this.”
Cynthia Cakebread, the town’s manager of recreation and culture, said the event received a “huge response” with more than 60 people on the waitlist.
“We knew there was interest,” said Cakebread, “but we had no idea there was this much interest.”
She said the committee may consider relocating the event to a larger venue next year.
“This train station is a gem in our municipality,” said Bondy. “It’s something that we want to showcase and its something we don’t have the opportunity to showcase enough.
“We want to celebrate our heritage centres in the town, and this is one way we can do it.”
All funds raised go back into the Arts Culture and Tourism Committee budget.
mmazak@postmedia.com
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